TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Martin Betz, Cultural Arts Manager
SUBJECT:Title
Resolution No. 18-0072 Accepting Warren Lichtenstein’s Donation of an “On-Loan” Art Exhibit (Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” Sculpture) For Placement in the South Pier Lot Area (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 18-0072 APPROVING THE AGREEMENT
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council adopt Resolution 18-0072 approving the long-term loan by resident Warren Lichtenstein of Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture to be placed in the South Pier parking lot area.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The fiscal impact of the project includes the transportation of the art work from its current location to the site ($5,000), the construction of a concrete pedestal to hold the artwork ($6,000), and the refurbishment of the site, including the installation of new bike racks and lighting ($12,000). The estimated cost of the overall project is $20,000-$25,000. The lender has agreed to fund $10,000 of the total cost, leaving the balance to be paid from the Public Arts Trust Fund.
BACKGROUND:
At the May 1, 2018, meeting, City Council directed staff to return with an agreement for a long term loan of the LOVE sculpture (Attachment 2). Acquired in 2015 by Manhattan Beach resident Warren Lichtenstein, the sculpture, LOVE, by Robert Indiana (Robert Indiana, Love, Corten Steel 96 X 96 X 48 A/P 2/2) has been offered to the City as a long term loan. The sculpture is currently being stored in Redondo Beach and will be transported to the site. The proposed location for the sculpture is at the lower south pier parking lot (Attachment 3).
DISCUSSION:
In October 2017, resident Warren Lichtenstein approached staff and offered a long term loan of his sculpture, “Love,” to the City of Manhattan Beach. As one of the most iconic pieces of American sculpture and representing a positive image for the City, the Cultural Arts Commission recommended accepting the long term loan.
At the May 1, 2018, meeting, City Council directed staff to draft an agreement for a long term loan by resident Warren Lichtenstein of Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” Sculpture to be placed in the South Pier parking lot area.
The agreement provides for a three-year loan. The term of the loan may be extended for an additional period of time upon mutual written agreement of the parties.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
The project was discussed at the November 20, 2017, Cultural Arts Commission meeting, the April 3, 2018 and May 1, 2018 City Council meetings.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Project is Categorically Exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15303e, as construction of a small accessory structure serving an overall public beach facility; and Section 15304e, as a temporary minor alteration to developed land having no permanent effects on the environment.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form the attached long term loan agreement with Mr. Lichtenstein.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 18-0072
2. Agreement with Warren Lichtenstein
3. LOVE Site Map